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Peewit, Lapwing, Green Plover, Vanellus vanellus, whatever you call them, they're in big population decline here in the UK. I'm a scientist, so here's a graph showing the data from BTO that proves it (y axis is a smoothed population index & green indicates 85% confidence limits).

Origins of the Lapwing name hail from Middle English lappewinke and lapwyngis, and back even earlier to the Old English hleapewince, all of which mean 'leap' and 'wince' or 'waver, move rapidly'. It's descriptive, as the Lapwing appear to make a big leap when they take to the air, and when on the ground they scuttle about quite rapidly. In that respect I'd hardly call them wavering, as I shall highlight below. However, when they're foraging they pause to listen, and patter on the mud using a foot, which increases their success rate in finding and catching invertebrates.

The distinctive calls of peewit, or kievit, if the Dutch birds (explains some of their oth…

If I am not outside, you'll find me staring out of the window wishing I was!
I'm a scientist. I love watching wildlife & taking their photos. I have a cat. Norwich City is my team. I volunteer for Norfolk Wildlife Trust, BTO, Broads Authority & RSPB.
You can find me on twitter & instagram @Spinkybird